My grandmother's pies
Grandma's Pies – A Nostalgic Delight
In every nook of grandma's house, the aroma of freshly fried pies invites you to sit at the table and enjoy an unforgettable moment. These delicious pies are not just a recipe, but a living memory, filled with warmth and love. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, these pies are a true culinary treat.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 8 minutes
Total time: 38 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 pies
Ingredients for the Dough:
- 0.5 liters of sour milk (or kefir)
- 650 grams of high-quality flour
- 1 egg
- 0.5 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Oil for frying
Ingredients for the Filling:
- 1 kg of cottage cheese
- 3 eggs
- Salt to taste
- Greens (dill and green onion, optional)
Step by Step: Making Grandma's Pies
1. Preparing the Dough:
In a large bowl, sift the flour to remove any impurities and aerate the ingredient. Add the sour milk, egg, baking soda, and salt. Mix the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. You will notice that the dough is slightly sticky, but don't worry! This is the secret to a tender pie.
2. Kneading the Dough:
Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough sticks to your hands, grease your hands with a little flour and continue kneading. Let the dough rest in a warm place for at least 30 minutes. If you can let it rest longer, it will become even easier to work with.
3. Preparing the Filling:
While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. In a deep bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the eggs and a pinch of salt. You can also add finely chopped greens for extra flavor. This will be the delicious filling that brings your pies to life.
4. Shaping the Pies:
On the working surface, sprinkle flour to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into balls the size of a golf ball. Each ball is slightly flattened by hand, then rolled out using a rolling pin, forming a circle. The edges should be thinner, while the center should be a bit thicker.
5. Filling and Sealing:
Add a portion of filling in the center of the circle, making sure to leave enough edges to seal the pie. Bring the edges of the circle together towards the center and press them tightly. You can slightly flatten them to give a uniform round shape.
6. Frying the Pies:
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Here, the secret is not to fry the pies in cold oil. Carefully place the pies in the pan, with the sealed side down. Fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they become golden and crispy. You can turn them with a spatula, being careful not to ruin their shape.
7. Finishing and Serving:
Once the pies are ready, remove them onto a wooden board and brush them with melted butter for a perfect taste. Stack them on top of each other to keep them warm and soft.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the pies warm, alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce with garlic. They are also delicious with a cup of aromatic tea or a glass of refreshing drink.
Practical Tips:
- You can vary the filling by using sautéed cabbage with bacon or grated pumpkin with sugar, to create sweet or savory pies according to your preferences.
- If you want less greasy pies, you can bake them in the oven at 180°C for about 20 minutes until they turn golden.
- The pies can be cooled in trays covered with a clean towel to prevent drying out.
Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
A serving of pies (approximately 100 grams) contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the chosen filling. They provide protein from eggs and cheese, as well as carbohydrates from flour, making them a nutritious choice for a meal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a richer taste and increased nutritional benefits.
2. How can I store the pies for the next day?
Store the pies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. You can reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop with a little water.
3. What other fillings can I use?
Besides cheese, cabbage, and pumpkin, you can try fillings with minced meat, mushrooms, or grilled vegetables.
Grandma's pies are not just a simple dish, but a true family story, filled with warmth and memories. By experimenting with fillings and preparation techniques, you can bring a touch of your grandmother's tradition to every meal. Enjoy!
Ingredients: dough 0.5 liters of sour milk or buttermilk or kefir 650 g of high-quality flour one egg 0.5 teaspoon of baking soda one teaspoon of salt oil filling 1 kg of cow cheese 3 eggs salt to taste greens - dill and green onion (optional)
